Washoe County Sheriff’s Office efforts to increase public awareness about the dangers of speeding are being helped by a grant from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety’s Joining Forces program.

The $4,600 Joining Forces grant purchased four new radar guns for the Sheriff’s Office along with chargers and other support equipment. The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit plans to use the new equipment during commute hours to encourage drivers to stay safe and drive within the speed limits. Drivers who fail to follow the posted speed limits are at risk of not being able to safely respond to sudden changes in their surroundings, putting themselves and others at risk.

“The Sheriff’s Office goal is to make our roads safer by increasing public awareness about the dangers of speeding,” Undersheriff Tim Kuzanek said. “This effort has received substantial support from Nevada’s Joining Forces program and we sincerely appreciate the valuable partnership that has developed between the Sheriff’s Office and Joining Forces through the years.”

Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, seat belt, distracted driving, speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to increase public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Chuck Allen is the 26th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.